Overview
Our sharpening service will provide a good serviceable edge on the blade. The result is typically “very sharp” with a small secondary bevel and a bit of an “apple seed” profile. The resulting edge is somewhat dependent on the particular blade. Some blades will take and hold sharper edges than others and the thickness of the blade will determine how wide the bevel will need to be. We adjust the angle of the edge to suit the specific blade and attempt to get as close to a bevel-less edge as possible without marring the surface of the blade.
The Sharpening Process
The sharpening service is done with a belt sander. The process involves many passes with sanding belts of various grits. The blades are rested between passes to prevent them from becoming hot and damaging their temper. By default we will sharpen as much of the blade as possible including any false edges if appropriate. If you have a different preference, feel free to make that request in the special instructions at check out. We can sharpen only the last half or third of an edge, for example. Our sword sharpening expert has personally sharpened several thousand swords at this point, so will provide you with a professional service.
What the Service is Not
The resulting edge will be “sword sharp” not razor sharp. Our goal is to provide you with a usable edge for cutting practice that will hold up to some use and not require constant re-sharpening. In other words, we intend to provide you with a serviceable weapon, not a personal grooming implement. The service will not provide a completely bevel-less edge. To create that type of edge will necessarily scratch up the blade surface and we lack the machinery and time to provide a full re-polishing of a blade’s surface. A service of that nature would be significantly more expensive as a great deal more time would be required. We do not offer this type of service at this time.
Disclaimer
We make no guarantee that the resulting edge will meet with your expectations. Every blade is different and some will take and hold a sharper edge than others, due to the blade material, heat treatment or geometry. Some customers can also have incorrect assumptions about sword sharpness and improper expectations as a result. All we can say for sure is that the resulting edge will be sharper than the default edge, in most cases, significantly so. We can not provide any refunds for the service once it has been completed, so consider it to be provided “as is”. That being said, if you are unhappy with the product for any reason, we do still allow you to return the item for a full refund, including the sharpening costs under our normal return policy. This does not apply to special sharpening requests, for example if we sharpen something specially for you that does not normally list that option on our site. The vast majority of our customers are happy with the results of the service, so as long as you keep the above mentioned in mind, we are confident you will be pleased with the results as well.
James Whitworth –
Function Over Fashion While aesthetically this blade may not be my cup of tea it is most certainly so functionally. The blade is long and sharp with a wicked point. It also has a fair amount of distal taper resulting in a nice point of balance. It is also well tempered resulting in a blade that is stiff but flexible. The hilt is similarly well constructed. The paint job of the basket guard is very well executed and adds just enough detail to not be distracting. Also, the grip, while a bit rough at timestimes, is excellent.
Personally I only have two small problems with this sword. One is that the wire wrap is slightly loose. However, I only notice it when I push on the wire directly. I never notice it while gripping the sword. Second the false edge on the spine is not sharpened, which to me could be considered more of a personal preference.
In conclusion while this sword may cost more than many other European blades made by Hanwei, it is well worth the money. I may never wear it to the Renaissance Faire, but I will certainly take it out and do test cuts with it.
hengishammer –
Simply Beautiful Pics don’t do this sword justice. Its amazing and the balance is incredible. I love the handle and theres some real weight to the pommel. The antiqued finish is great too. A solid piece.
Aaron J. –
A Very good looking and deadly sword This thing is lighting fast, and has enough presence to be a decent cutter. The only drawbacks are: The tang is a bit narrow, and I’d worry about cutting any hard targets. And the antiqued finish on the blade means that if you want to sharpen it, you will have to mess up the finish.
Eric B. –
A personal favourite This is a beautiful well constructed sword, and although visually it’s an acquired taste, it does not disappoint at all, especially for the price.
Just over 300 quid is a steal. This sword has a rock solid construction that will not give at all for light cutting and an amazing point. At first, I was worried about the threaded construction but it is indeed rock solid. The tempering is just right, although I haven’t been able to precisely find the hardness of the blade, testing on wood hasn’t damaged or nicked the blade at all.
Its balance is just right-for a 2 pound sword it has enough heft to cut well but enough weight in the hilt to have perfect control of the tip. Historically, this is a more simple rendition of mortuary hilt sabres of the time but it will not disappoint. My only complaint would be the toughness of the handle, but a light pair of gloves and you won’t notice one bit. This is a great buy, don’t miss the chance.
Lee T. –
A Masterpiece First of all, I’ll just agree with the previous reviewers and tell you this sword is excellent. If you had to fight a duel, this sword would not disappoint.
It offers the length, point, and speed of lighter rapiers with a thick spine, and a good temper. A hard strike on a helm or breastplate might rattle it, but I doubt it would bend or snap unless placed under great strain.
Against a soft target it is absolutely devastating. It pieced sandbags to a lethal depth with really only pressure from my wrist!
I would venture it has the weight and power in the thrust to easily punch through a jerkin or leather buff coat and deep into the man underneath.
It also has enough weight in the pommel and basket to be more than adequate for bashing in the melee.
The blade shape of this sword is very cool, and it is an authentic, historic sword. Handling it really brings this home. It feels very much like an extension of one’s arm.
The scabbard is also very nice, and the sword seats and fits into it extremely well, or at least mine did. For less than $350 dollars, I would highly recommend this product.
Rob D. –
What was Hanwei Thinking? I almost returned this sword, but the handling and general fit and finish convinced me eo keep it. The problem is the so called “antique” finish on the blade. In fact it is what appears to be deep pitted rusting that makes it look like a barn sword. The picture above shows what looks like a light patina toward brown. In reality it is a surface as rough as course sandpaper with black background color that looks like rusting. I would normally send such a sword back but it handles so well and the fit and finish otherwise is so good that I will just grind the tough finish off and re-polish it. It’s just that for this price and from a good maker, I didn’t expect to have to spend several hours grinding, sanding and polishing.